As part of the annual National Cupcake Day on September 30, beautifully decorated cupcakes will be on sale at Fountains Mall, Jeffreys Bay, with the funds raised being donated to Cupcakes of Hope (COH), an organisation dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.
Childhood cancer remains a growing health concern across the world. In low- and middle-income countries, 80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer die due to limited care, late diagnosis, and associated challenges.
Despite having established oncology healthcare services, South Africa falls into this category.
One organisation, Cupcakes of Hope, has dedicated itself to supporting children battling cancer through the power of baking.
This September, during International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and in the run-up to National Cupcake Day on September 30, COH is rallying South Africans to “Bake Hope, Sprinkle Joy” and help impact these concerning figures, one cupcake at a time.
Cupcakes of Hope, founded by Sandy Cipriano, is a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation dedicated to supporting children with cancer in South Africa.
Through diverse initiatives and the tireless efforts of their “Cupcake Angels”, COH provides both financial and emotional support to children and their families, making a profound difference in their lives.
COH’s primary mission is to address the financial and emotional needs of children with cancer, and their families.
From food, nappies, and transportation expenses, to medical necessities like wheelchairs and prosthetics – the COH volunteers #bake4cancer and bring tangible hope and support to these young fighters and their loved ones.
The heart of COH lies in its manifesto.
“We believe in the transformative power of a single cupcake,” said Cipriano.
“We’re more than an organisation, we’re a community. Behind every cupcake lies a story of courage and resilience. We understand that even in the face of cancer’s darkness, a simple cupcake can radiate love and support. It’s not just about baking; it’s a call to action. We believe in the boundless potential of individuals coming together to change lives.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the need for medical assistance has increased four-fold.
From the beginning of 2022 till now, COH has assisted with an average of 235 monthly financial requests from 20 hospitals across SA.
In 2022 alone, they addressed 2 749 financial requests and delivered 2 660 activity care bags to patients in 20 paediatric oncology wards in key medical facilities nationwide.
Weekly payments are made by COH towards patients’ medical bills; otherwise sooner, if a medical emergency arises.
Essentially Cupcakes of Hope is a community-driven project that brings everyone involved to “bake” a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening diseases.
Volunteers are called “Cupcake Angels” and can be anyone.
“Aged between three and 90 years old, students, firemen, lawyers, and doctors, all come together from different backgrounds and income levels to bake a difference. All that is needed is a bit of time and loads of love. We want to spread cupcake love across South Africa,” said Cipriano.
To register to become a baker for National Cupcake Day at Fountains Mall, contact local co-ordinator, Janelle Stokker, on 083 719 0598 to make your pledge of 24/48 cupcakes.
On National Cupcake Day on September 30, the public can then visit the stand to buy a delicious cupcake made with love for R15.
For more information visit https://cupcakesofhope.org/
